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Morgan Freeman Next in Line for #MeToo Treatment

May 24, 2018

Perhaps one of the most well-known names in Hollywood is Morgan Freeman. Considered to be one of the most influential voices in Hollywood, the 80-year old actor has been a part of several classics dating back nearly fifty years. “Shawshank Redemption”, “Million Dollar Baby”, and “March of the Penguins” are only some of the works that have established Morgan as a respectable actor. That might not be the case anymore. People have been astonished to learn today that Morgan Freeman’s name has joined the ranks of old-aged, powerful, and abusive names like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein. How ‘surprising’ could any update to the #MeToo movement be? It is important that the women’s movement to support survivors of sexual violence and manipulation exists. Decades of misconduct in just about every industry has clogged up the pipes of social justice and reform.

Exclusive Report

Morgan Freeman.

According to an exclusive report published through CNN, sixteen people have come forward as part of an investigation against Morgan Freeman. Eight of these people have accused the aged actor of inappropriate and explicit behavior. The remaining eight claim to be witnesses that “allegedly happened in public”. A production assistant on the set of “Going In Style” claims that her issues with Freeman began during the summer of 2015. Freeman “kept trying to life up my skirt and was asking” if the girl was wearing underwear. On top of this, he would comment on her clothing and figure on a “near-daily” basis.[1]

CNN’s investigation against Freeman depicts a problematic history of inappropriate behavior. In 2012, a staff member on the set of “Now You See Me” stated that she and her assistant were frequently harassed, and that they chose to wear ill-fitting clothing that would not show off their figures while he was around.

After CNN’s report was published, Morgan Freeman released a statement:

“Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy. I apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected – that was never my intent.”

Although everything is alleged at this current moment, does this statement not feel like the standard copy-paste of many actors who have found themselves in a spotlight that they wanted no starring role under in recent years? I suppose this is the perfect reminder to stop worshiping celebrities through the cult of personality.